Japandi style is the newest spin on classic minimalist design. Merging two popular styles into one, this design hybrid takes the best elements of Scandinavian design and Japanese design and combines them into one. Learn more about Japandi style and how you can create your own zen, organic space below.

What Is Japandi?

To put it simply, Japandi is equal parts hygge and wabi-sabi. Japandi combines the art of Scandi functionality and contentment with Japan's rustic minimalism and the Buddhist philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. The result is a blended aesthetic of function and design styles that focuses on clean lines, bright spaces, and organic simplicity. Japandi differs from classic minimalism because the end goal isn't to create a bare space, it's to create an intentional, clutter-free home.

How to Add Japandi to Your Space

Japandi style values quality, artisan-crafted pieces that are made to last. Rest assured that this isn't just a passing trend, Japandi is a lifestyle of living a calm, simplistic, and functional life. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this pared-back aesthetic in your home.

Start With a Neutral Palette + Natural Materials

Japandi style is the pinnacle of simplicity. Think: neutral colors and natural materials. Your base color palette should include light and airy Scandinavian-style colors like oatmeal, cream, beige, and tan. Stick to these warm neutrals for large pieces of furniture, bedding, and window treatments. Then add in deep, rich accent colors that reflect traditional Japanese style such as indigo blue, earthy green, and dark gray. Use these accent colors in wall art, throw pillows, and tabletop pieces.

Keep materials natural and sustainable. Because Scandinavian design and Japanese culture take much of their inspiration from the outdoors, try to blur the lines between inside and outside pieces. Choose furniture that's made from natural materials like unfinished wood, rattan, leather, and marble. Roll out a jute rug. Opt for linen bedding and a soft wool throw blanket. Add in little design details like ceramic planters, foraged branches, and marble bookends. The beauty of the Japandi aesthetic is that you don't need to have all of these pieces from the onset. Take time to curate a collection of pieces that open a dialogue and spark connection.

Choose Intentional Furniture

With Japandi style, decor really takes a backseat and allows you to retrain your focus on discovering what makes furniture both essential and functional. Opt for pieces with clean lines and simple silhouettes. Think: Visually open up your space with low-profile furniture like low benches, platform bed frames, accent chairs, and coffee tables. This will keep things both airy and functional.

Minimize Clutter

One key to achieving peak Japandi style is to reduce clutter as much as possible. We know this isn't always possible for busy households and smaller living spaces. We recommend reducing the clutter, then ensuring you have plenty of storage spaces for the rest. A couple of our quick tips for decluttering include:

• Place a storage bench in the entryway to organize keys, sunglasses, and reusable grocery bags. Prop a basket underneath for shoes.
• Use an accent cabinet to store extra dinnerware and serveware. Tuck spare bottles of wine in the drawers for last-minute get togethers.
• Organize surface spaces with a decorative tray. In the living room, use the tray to corral magazines and remotes. In the dining room, use it to hold salt, pepper, and other spices or oils you use everyday.
• Keep books, vases, and other pieces of decor curated on wall shelves. Intersperse art to keep the shelves interesting and to add texture.

Create Zen in the Details

Use decor to bring calm to your space. Japandi decor consists of three key things: natural elements, soft decorative pieces, and mellow lighting. To re-create this feeling, follow our steps:

Bring plants inside to emphasize the blend of indoor/outdoor spaces and to maximize natural elements. Choose planters made from earthy materials like concrete, stone, or terracotta. If you're going to cluster a few plants together, opt for a variety of sizes to make it visually appealing. Embrace wabi-sabi with decorative pieces made from natural elements like a ceramic bowl, rattan basket, teak side table, or a wooden decorative tray.

Choose soft and simple decorative pieces. Add a couple of textured pillows to your sofa, daybed, and accent chairs to make seating extra luxe. Hang wall art, but opt for pieces with simple lines and graphics to complement your furniture's simple silhouettes. Roll out a soft, shaggy rug in a neutral color or with a clean geometric design.

Finally, embrace natural light and soft ambient lighting. Keep window treatments to a minimum or choose sheer curtains to let in natural light. They will soften the room while helping your plants thrive. Choose light fixtures with simple silhouettes, such as an arched floor lamp or cylinder pendant. Keep candles on hand to up the ambience and add a warm glow to any corner.

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